Sunday, December 9, 2012

December's Meeting: Breakfast for Dinner

Our collective was held at Safa Umm Mansur's place. These ladies take no shortcuts with their breakfast offerings. It was a nice and filling treat for us all!


We'll start with Safa Umm Jameels Breakfast Strata:
It was comprised of hash browns, broccoli  sausage and lots of cheese! Yum!

Safa Umm Mansur made a really good Shrimp & Grits. A southern treat!

Fatma made Spinach Stuffed Crepes

Faizah made Eggs Benedict, Banana Bread & Home Fries
Naadira made Monkey Bread & Sticky Buns

Sakina made her famous Pineapple Upside Down cake & Cornbread Muffins
Sharria made Tuna & Potato Croquettes
Aisha provided us with refreshing juice & Summayyah brought Honeycrisp apples!





Sharria's Graduation Party!

This was super fun! Safa umm Mansur did a great job pulling this off! She's our official graduation/success party planner! I loved how surprised Sharria was when she walked in the door. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and her official Princess Grad necklace & bracelet! 

Can we say CA-UUTE??

She was also treated with a professional foot massage by Aisha! Our resident Reflexologist in training. After our Meeting stuff, she was showered with a few special gifts.

All of the ladies showed up and looked absolutely stunning! A special shout out to Safa umm Mansur, Sakina, Safa Umm Jameel, Naadira, Summayyah, Aisha & Fatma.
Thank you all for making this such a memorable event!

Congratulations Sharria & much success to you in this life and the hereafter!



Monday, November 26, 2012

Gourmet Garden Herb Tubes! YES

So I discovered a cool (new?) way to get fresh herbs!

Gourmet Garden Herb Tubes. Found them at Giant.




Sunday, November 11, 2012

I found them!

Ok, remember during the last CV meeting, I mentioned that my MIL gave me cilantro cubes?

We'll I found them at the Latin Products store!
http://www.thelatinproducts.com/knorr-cilantro-mini-20-cubes/





Friday, November 9, 2012

Roasted Cauliflower

I saw this delicious recipe for roasted Cauliflower and tried it last night! It was a WINNER!


INGREDIENTS

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and coarsely minced
  • Lemon juice from half a lemon
  • Olive oil
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut cauliflower into florets and put in a single layer in an oven-proof baking dish. Toss in the garlic. Sprinkle lemon juice over cauliflower and drizzle each piece with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If the oven hasn't reached 400°F yet, set aside until it has.

2 Place casserole in the hot oven, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly brown. Test with a fork for desired doneness. Fork tines should be able to easily pierce the cauliflower. Remove from oven and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Yield: Serves 4.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Recipe for Turon

EVERYONE, I mean EVERYONE LOVED the Turon at the Ramadaan family dinner. I found a simple recipe that captures the essence of that wonderful dish. Thanks Safa Umm Jameel!



Ingredients:
4 plaintain bananas or saba
Brown sugar
8 spring roll wrapper
Cooking oil

Method: 
Start by peeling the plaintain bananas or saba and cut them in half horizontally. Roll the bananas in brown sugar. Using a large flat plate or clean cutting board, spread one lumpia wrapper then place the banana. Roll the lumpia wrapper halfway, then fold both ends, and roll the rest of the wrapper. Dip you fingertip in a bowl of water and wet the flap of the lumpia wrapper to seal. Repeat the process until all bananas are wrapped. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil is hot enough, lower the heat and fry the wrapped bananas for 3-4 minutes each side or until the lumpia wrapper has turned golden brown and crisp. Remove banana wraps in oil and drain on paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve immediately.




Saturday, October 27, 2012

Pollo y Yucca: Peruvian Style!


This great rotisserie chicken recipe became hugely popular along the East Coast of the United States a few years back. Know as Super Chicken, El Pollo Rico, or Peruvian Chicken this is a tasty way to make a bird with enough flavor to satisfy anyone, but mild enough for everyone.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
  • 4 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons white wine
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 quart cold water

Preparation:

Combine vinegar, wine, oil with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a paste. Add lemon juice to cold water. Trim chicken of any excess or loose fat. Wash chicken thoroughly with lemon water. Place chicken in zip-top bag. Pour spice paste over chicken. Coat chicken completely with mixture rubbing into every surface. Try to get the paste under the skin as much as possible.
Seal bag and place chicken in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The chicken will have more flavor the longer it "marinates" in the spice mixture. Do not refrigerate more than 24 hours however.
Preheat grill and prepare rotisserie. Place chicken on rotisserie and on the grill for approximately 1 1/2 hours at a temperature around 300 degrees F. (150 degrees C.) Test chicken for doneness by measure in the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh. Chicken is done at 165 degrees F. (75 degrees C.).
This chicken is frequently served with dipping sauce. A simple version of this sauce is made from combining 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons mustard and 2 tablespoons lime.
Fried Yucca (Cassava)
Ingredients:

  • 1 pound yucca root, peeled and sliced into french fries
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • salt to taste
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Directions:
Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place the yucca fries in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Turn occasionally to brown them evenly. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon or spatula and season with salt. Squeeze lime juice over them if you like and serve immediately.







October's Meeting: Finger Foods

Photo courtesy of Safa Umm Mansur
Click Read More to get the details about our  October meeting 

Ramadaan Collective Iftar 8/2012


Sorry for the late post!
Our collective club decided to feed the ENTIRE family! This time our children & husbands got to see what we do at our meetings!

We had an array of food that was the perfect ending to a long fasting day!

Aisha made a Vegetarian Lasagna that was gone within minutes!









Fatma made SPICY Chicken Kabobs & Naan Bread! Her food is always a crowd pleaser.



Faizah made Lemon couscous, Teriyaki chicken kabobs & Cilantro chicken kabobs









Safa Umm Jameel made a delicious Aloo Palak, Turon and Ranch Crusted Chicken





























Sharria made a nice Spicy Fish Dish & Chana Masala













We also had an array of Salads, Cakes, and Miniature chocolate muffins made by Venice. * If I have misrepresented or forgotten anyone's dish, please let me know and I will post it.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

June's Meeting: Nostalgia

We had to reach back a few years to get inspiration for this collective meeting. Our mission was to create a dish that reminded us of home, mom, or anything nostalgic.

Fatma was our gracious host for this event. This time around, we got to share a little of our background. Of course, with our palates!

Sharria, made a pasta salad that reminded her of her youth.













Sharria's special guest Sakinah made a unforgettable pineapple upside down cake.












Nafisah made a tasty Ambrosia salad & Cows in a Blanket























MamMarie made a Senegalese spiced leg of lamb with saffron vermicelli










Fatma made a dish from Zanzibar: Mung Bean & Rice Dish, Onion Salad & Curried Chicken


























Faizah made a southern dish of Fried Fish, spiced Cabbage and Mustard Potato Salad 
& Lemon Meringue pie (*store bought)










CVOD: Green Smoothie


Green smoothies are a huge hit in the raw food scene. Raw kale contains large quantities of anti-oxidants and other anti-cancer nutrients as well as beaucoup chlorophyll, manganese, calcium, and B-vitamins. This simple green smoothie recipe with raw kale can be made even simpler by adjusting to whatever greenery you have on hand. The parsley and cilantro add their distinctive flavors while the mint reminds you of a favorite dessert. With great taste and immense nutritive value, this raw food green smoothie is a win-win scenario for everyone!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups sliced banana or soft fruit of choice (Mango, etc)
  • 2 cups cold or frozen orange juice (you can freeze the juice in an ice tray)
  • 1 1/2 cups tightly packed dinosaur or curly leaf kale
  • optional 1/4 cup lightly packed parsley
  • optional 1/4 cup lightly packed cilantro
  • optional 1/4 cup lightly packed mint leaves
Preparation:
Blend all of the ingredients together for 10 to 20 seconds or until the greens have completely blended in. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Collective Vessel On A Diet!

I thought it would be great to include various low calorie snacks and treats on our collective efforts to find healthy! We are very proud of our members who have taken steps toward an active healthy lifestyle!! You all know who you are ! Keep up the good work!!!

I have been going to Trader Joes lately and I really love the Seaweed Snacks! Oh the fitna! However each package is only 60 calories and oh so tasty!!!



Nutrition summary:

Calories
30
Fat
2g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1g
There are 30 calories in a 1/2 package serving of Trader Joe's Roasted Seaweed Snack Packs.
Calorie breakdown: 69% fat, 15% carbs, 16% protein.




Saturday, May 19, 2012

Recipe: Coconut Curry Seafood Soup


Coconut Curry Seafood Soup (Submitted by Sharria)
Serves 6 to 8 /Total Time  30 min.

Ingredients – NOTE: this is the amounts that goes in it from a recipe online… I always manipulate, I don’t really measure.  I work according to taste.

Soup
  • 1 Tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 Med onion
  • 2 Tsp minced garlic
  • 1 knob (1 inch long) fresh ginger, diced (thinly sliced peeled)
  • 1  13.5 oz can of (chicken, fish, vegetable, or mushroom, depending on the overall soup flavor you want)
  • 2 13.5 oz cans coconut milk
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1  Lime – JUICE FROM IT!
  • ¾  cup Fresh cilantro leaves.
  • ¼  cup red curry paste
  • 2- 3 Tbsp. minced palm sugar or brown sugar (the only thing I've skipped because I don’t always have it).
  • Protein-- 
  • shrimp and cubes of firm fish such as salmon, black cod, or halibut for a seafood curry soup – Grill , broil or bake fish depending on the taste you would like (I always grill that way everything is done at the same time – the amount depends on the amount of meat you want in it.).


Steps
Put the oil in a large stockpot and heat to medium. Add the onions and sautee—don’t let turn burn, add the garlic and ginger and stir for another minute or so. 
Cook seafood in another pan. 

Add the stock, 1 can of the coconut milk, fish sauce or soy sauce, lemongrass, and lime leaves (if using). Add ½ teaspoon each of the red curry paste and tom yam paste, as well as 2 Tablespoons of the sugar. Stir to dissolve the curry pastes and sugar in the broth, then bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes. 

ADJUSTMENTS:
Sample the broth and decide: Do you want to add more coconut milk, for a richer soup? Do you want to add more curry and tom yam paste, for a spicier soup? Does the soup need a bit more sugar? Add accordingly.

Add cooked meat, simmer for a few minutes then add the juice of the lime.

NOTE: You can make it a chicken soup, vegetable soup or hot and sour soup (just don’t use the coconut milk). Be sure to use the vegetable broth that amounts to eating real veges so that you get the nutritional value needed.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Recipe: Cajun Crawfish and Shrimp Etouffe


Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup fish stock
  • 1 pound crawfish tails***
  • 1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined***
  • ***If crawfish are not available, use 2 lbs of shrimp instead.

Directions

  1. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Gradually stir in flour, and stir constantly until the mixture turns 'peanut butter' brown or darker, at least 15 or 20 minutes. I use a large fork with the flat side to the bottom of the pan in a side to side motion. This is your base sauce or 'Roux'. It is very important to stir this constantly. If by chance the roux burns, discard and start over.
  2. Once the roux is browned, add the onions, garlic, celery and bell pepper to the skillet, and saute for about 5 minutes to soften. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and fish stock, and season with the seafood seasoning. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Season the sauce with hot pepper sauce and cayenne pepper (if using), and add the crawfish and shrimp. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

DIY: Homemade Butter

Ingredients:
8 oz Heavy Cream, salt to taste (optional)
Tools you'll need: 
Stand mixer with whisk attachment, cheesecloth.

Directions:
Pour the heavy cream in a bowl of your electric mixer, turn it on high speed and whip up the cream. When the cream it's nice and whipped...don't stop...keep weeping it until the fats in it will separate from the liquid and will stick to the whisk. It will take a good 5 minutes.


At this point move the solid fats (which is your butter) into a cheesecloth. Squeeze out the remaining liquid, then rinse it under water, squeeze again. 


Then remove the butter from the cheesecloth, wrap it up into plastic paper and refrigerate it until you are ready to use it.
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